Slow Cooker Po' Boy with Beef at the Table

For the most indulgent sandwich, look no further than our Slow Cooker Po’Boy! Our spin on this Southern classic is packed with flavor and incredibly simple to make. Just set it and forget it— it’s exactly the kind of hands-off recipe we all love.

po' boy sandwich wrapped in blue and white ribbon

What is a po boy?

A po boy is the most tasty, juicy sandwich that comes from Louisiana. It traditionally features slow-roasted meat or fried seafood, served with lettuce, tomato, and cheese!

A key characteristic of a po boy is the bread. You want a long roll that is crackly on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside. Occasionally, you may see po boys served with gravy – especially the po boys with fried fillings!

Oftentimes, this type of sandwich is referred to as a submarine or a hoagie (especially if you are living near Philadelphia or southern New Jersey!).

What is the finest kind of meat to use for our slow cooker beef po boy?

A common question when it comes to making po boys is what kind of meat you should use. As we mentioned earlier, you can have a fried seafood po boy or a roasted meat po boy. We find that chuck roast is the very finest beef cut to cook in our crockpot.

Chuck roast is a great cut of meat to put in the slow cooker because it has a lot of connective tissue. This actually makes the meat super tender when cooked over long periods of time!

Where did the po boy get its name?

The first po boy was made during the 1920s in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was a tumultuous time in history, and in the summer of 1929, New Orleans saw hundreds of workers striking or out of work. Two brothers who owned a restaurant in the French market offered free 20-inch sandwiches to any community members out of work in their district.

As sisters who love to feed people, we can appreciate this sibling foodie story! The brothers, named Bennie and Clovis Martin, went on to feed over a thousand workers that summer. And every time someone came to their food stand, they’d say “Here comes another poor boy” – which is how this sandwich got its name!

Word of the lively sandwich made its way around the city. And before they knew it, the Martin brothers were opening up sandwich shops across the state. Now it is a popular sandwich nationwide!

overhead crockpot of chuck roast, onions, garlic, jalapeño and spices

How to make a slow cooker beef po boy

Place chuck roast into the bottom of a slow cooker.
Pour the paprika, salt, pepper, chili powder, and oregano on top.
Lay the sliced onions on top of or beside the cut of meat. Follow by scooping the chopped garlic on top along with the jalapeños!
Pour in the beef broth.
Cover and seal. Cook on high for 6 hours.
Shred the meat with a fork.
Assemble your sandwiches!

How to store slow cooker beef po boys

These slow cooker beef po boys are super simple to store, which also makes them simple to make in advance!

You can store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. But keep in mind that the bread might get a little soggy.

We recommend only assembling the po boys you are going to eat, though. That’s because leftovers keep better if you store them separately. So store any leftover meat or sandwich toppings in their own separate container in the fridge. Then wrap the bread up!

When you are ready to eat the leftovers, just pop the meat in the microwave, toast the bread and assemble your sandwich.

Other sandwiches you’re going to love!

If you’re on the search for more savory sandwiches that are going to knock your socks off, we have plenty to share! Check out these tasty delicacies.

Our Turkey Caprese Sandwiches are straight out of a cafe or bistro! We love the tasty layers of mozzarella, tomato, turkey, and pesto on this crunchy ciabatta.
For a surefire crowdpleaser, make our Spanakopita Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. It is a crossover recipe that we love – it includes all the characteristic flavors of spanakopita but comes in the form of a nostalgic grilled cheese.
If you’re in the mood for a hearty sub, then our Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak is for you. It is so simple to make, and kids absolutely love it!
Do you like breakfast at all times of the day? Us too! Our Protein Packed Egg Muffin Sandwiches are the finest for meal prepping or large potluck brunches!

Common Questions

What’s the origin of the po’ boy sandwich?

The po’ boy hails from New Orleans, created during a streetcar strike in 1929. Local restaurant owners Bennie and Clovis Martin served free sandwiches to the “poor boys” on strike, and the name stuck, eventually becoming “po’ boy.”

Can I add cheese to my beef po’ boy?

Absolutely! While traditional po’ boys might not include cheese, adding a slice of provolone, Swiss, or even pepper jack can elevate the sandwich to new, melty heights.

How do I prevent my po’ boy from becoming soggy?

To keep things crisp, lightly toast the bread before assembling your sandwich. Additionally, placing lettuce between the bread and the beef can act as a barrier, preventing the bread from soaking up too much moisture.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

You bet! Incorporate some Creole seasoning or a few dashes of hot sauce into your beef mixture for that extra kick. Adding pickled jalapeños as a topping can also spice things up.

Beef po boy sandwich wrapper in a back and white ribbon

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 12 servings

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 6 hrs
Total: 6 hrs 10 mins

This slow cooker po' boy is simple to make and an absolute crowd pleaser. Our take on this Louisiana classic is a hit! Email

Ingredients

3 pounds chuck roast
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons kosher salt to taste
1 teaspoon ground black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 medium yellow onion
4 cloves garlic
1 medium jalapeño
2 cups beef broth
your go-to bread and sandwich fillings

Instructions

Place chuck roast into the bottom of a slow cooker. Pour the paprika, salt, pepper, chili powder, and oregano on top.3 pounds chuck roast, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons dried oregano
Lay the sliced onions on top of or beside the cut of meat. Follow by scooping the chopped garlic on top and the jalapeños!1 medium yellow onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1 medium jalapeño
Pour in the beef broth.2 cups beef broth
Cover and seal. Cook on high for 6 hours. Shred the meat with a fork.
Assemble your sandwiches!your go-to bread and sandwich fillings